The federal government has recommended communities to reduce the amount of fluoride in their water supplies, reigniting decades-old debate in some communities whether the additive meant to prevent tooth decay should be used at all. New studies have found too much fluoride in drinking water causes spots and streaks on some children's teeth. This is one reason the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services recommended this month that fluoride concentration should be limited to 0.7 parts per million in drinking water. The federal standard since 1962 has been a range of 0.7 to 1.2 parts per million.

2. REGARDING RADIATION

The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry recommends radiographs and examinations every six months for children with a high risk of tooth decay. On average, OUR OFFICE RECOMMENDS TO TAKE MINIMAL X-RAYS, THOSE NEEDED EVERY SIX MONTHS . Pediatric dentists are particularly careful to use the minimal exposure of radiation. With contemporary safeguards, the amount of radiation received in a dental X-ray examination is very small. OUR OFFICE USES Lead body aprons and shields TO protect your child , our equipment filters out unnecessary x-rays and restricts the x-ray beam to the area of interest. We also use a High-speed film to assure that your child receives a minimal amount of radiation exposure.

3. THE PEDIATRIC DENTIST

Pediatric dentistry is the specialty of dentistry that focuses on the oral health of young people. After completing a four-year dental school curriculum, two to three additional years of rigorous training are required to become a pediatric dentist. This specialized program of study and hands-on experience prepares pediatric dentists to meet the needs of infants, children and adolescents, including persons with special health care needs. We are concerned about your child’s total health care. Good oral health is an important part of total health. Establishing us as your child’s Dental Home provides us the opportunity to implement preventive dental health habits that keep a child free from dental/oral disease. We focus on prevention, early detection and treatment of dental diseases, and keep current on the latest advances in dentistry for children. Pleasant visits to the dental office promote the establishment of trust and confidence in your child that will last a lifetime. Our goal, along with our staff, is to help all children feel good about visiting the dentist and teach them how to care for their teeth. From our special office designs to our communication style, our main concern is what is best for your child.

4. WHAT IS NITROUS OXIDE/OXYGEN?

Nitrous Oxide/Oxygen (N2O-O2) is a blend of two gases -- oxygen and nitrous oxide. A fitted mask is placed over the nose and, as the patient breathes normally, uptake occurs through the lungs. At the end of treatment, it is eliminated after a short period of breathing oxygen and has no lingering effects.

5. HOW WILL MY CHILD FEEL WHEN BREATHING NITROUS OXIDE/OXYGEN?

Your child will smell a faint, sweet aroma and experience a sense of well-being and relaxation. Since it may produce a feeling of giddiness or euphoria, it is often called "laughing gas." Children sometimes report dreaming and their arms and legs may feel "tingly." It raises the pain threshold and may even make the time appear to pass quickly. If your child is worried by the sights, sounds or sensations of dental treatment, he or she may respond more positively with the use of nitrous oxide/oxygen.

6. WHAT IS SEDATION?

Sedation is a technique to guide a child’s behavior during dental treatment. Medications are used to help increase cooperation and to reduce anxiety or discomfort associated with dental procedures. Sedative medications cause most children to become relaxed and drowsy. Unlike general anesthesia, sedation is not intended to make a patient unconscious or unresponsive.

7. IS SEDATION SAFE?

Sedation can be used safely and effectively when administered by a pediatric dentist who follows the sedation guidelines of the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry. Your pediatric dentist will discuss sedation options and patient monitoring for the safety and comfort of your child.

8. WHAT SPECIAL INSTRUCTIONS SHOULD I FOLLOW BEFORE THE SEDATION APPOINTMENT?

Children often perceive a parent’s anxiety which makes them more fearful. They tolerate procedures best when their parents understand what to expect and prepare them for the experience. If you have any questions about the sedation process, please ask. As you become more confident, so will your child. Should your child become ill, contact your pediatric dentist to see if it is necessary to postpone the appointment. Tell your pediatric dentist about any prescribed, over-the-counter or herbal medications your child is taking. Check with your pediatric dentist to see if routine medications should be taken the day of the sedation. It is very important to follow the directions regarding fasting from fluids and foods prior to the sedation appointment.

9. WHAT SPECIAL INSTRUCTIONS SHOULD I FOLLOW AFTER THE SEDATION APPOINTMENT?

Your pediatric dentist will evaluate your child’s health status and discharge your child when she is responsive, stable and ready to go. Children recover from effects of sedatives at different rates so be prepared to remain at the office until the after-effects are minimal. Once home, your child must remain under adult supervision until fully recovered from the effects of the sedation. Your pediatric dentist will discuss specific post-sedation instructions with you, including appropriate diet and physical activity.

10. ARE PEDIATRIC DENTIST PREPARED TO CARE FOR SPECIAL CHILDREN?

Absolutely. Pediatric dentists have two or more years of advanced training beyond dental school. Their education as specialists focuses on care for children with special needs. In addition, pediatric dental offices are designed to be physically accessible for special patients. Pediatric dentists, because of their expertise, are often the clinicians of choice for the dental care of adults with special needs as well.

11. WHY IS EARLY ORTHODONTIC CARE IMPORTANT?

Early orthodontics can enhance your child's smile, but the benefits far surpass appearance. Pediatric orthodontics can straighten crooked teeth, guide erupting teeth into position, correct bite problems, even prevent the need for tooth extractions. Straight teeth are easier to keep clean and less susceptible to tooth decay and gum disease.

12. HOW WILL A PEDIATRIC DENTIST HELP MY CHILD FEEL COMFORTABLE?

Pediatric dentists are trained in many methods to help children feel comfortable with dental treatment. For example, in the "Tell-Show-Do" technique, a pediatric dentist might name a dental instrument, demonstrate the instrument by using it to count your child's fingers, then apply the instrument in treatment. The modeling technique pairs a timid child in dental treatment with a cooperative child of similar age. Coaching, distraction, and parent participation are other possibilities to give your child confidence in dentistry. But by far the most preferred technique is praise. Every child does something right during a dental visit, and pediatric dentists let children know that.

13. WHAT IF A CHILD MISBEHAVES DURING TREATMENT?

Occasionally a child's behavior during treatment requires assertive management to protect him or her from possible injury. Voice control (speaking calmly but firmly) usually takes care of it. Some children need gentle restraint of the arms or legs as well. Mild sedation, such as nitrous oxide/oxygen or a sedative, may benefit an anxious child. If a child is especially fearful or requires extensive treatment, other sedative techniques or general anesthesia may be recommended.